I just bought a 2013 ZX14r Abs model this past weekend and enjoy the bike a lot but...here comes the but part. I am only 5'7" with a 30" inseam and I barely touch the ground with my tip toes. Not sure which direction to go with a low profile seat or using lowering links. I have read using lowering links changes the geometry of the bike with possible adjustments on the front and back ends.

I am ok when we are moving but when I have to come to a stop, I really get nervous on possible setting my feet on a low spot on the pavement and I am down for the count.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Try a cutdown seat first and if that isn't enough, set about lowering both ends a little at a time. Even if you maintain geometry, you can run out of ground clearance. You'll need to make sure the suspension is adjusted on the stiff side to keep from bottoming or scraping in turns. At best, dragging parts is a hassle. At worst, you unload the wheels and you're on your ass sliding.

There is more than enough foam in the seat. I'm sure cutting down the foam in the seat will be all that you need. It also makes a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the bike. You will probably have a longer reach to the grips though. Should have no problem tucking in behind the windscreen. Check out some of the drag racing tails with molded in seats. They give the bike a nice trim profile between the seat and the frame.

Going with the advice from my fellow riders. Found this upholstery place locally. Taking the bike on Friday and letting them measure the seat height before they alter it so we can see the difference when done. I hope the feel is still good with less foam.

Keep you updated and thanks for the input.

I'd suggest removing foam from the back of the riders seat and leave the front where the seat touches the fuel tank alone. Try to make the seat more level with the ground. You can see it is on a downhill slant, stock. That is one other thing I didn't care for about the stock seat, you were always sliding down it toward the fuel tank. Good idea to let the upholsterer see the seat and how it sits when it is on the bike. That's a little dif than the impression one might get just looking at the seat sitting in front of him.

Pleas keep me informed. I'm really curious how this works out for ya. I haven't got the $$$ to hire a pro but I have a stock seat here I gott off Ebay for $75. I'm going to set t o carving it this summer to make a nice low race seat. Gonna have an NOS compartment under the seat cowl. I'm gonna figure out how to mod a seat cowl to turn it into a hinged lid with a secret latch release.

If by chance you want your stock height seat back, keep an eye on Ebay. Don't pay over $75 for a seat even if in great condition.

Hello Guys,

Sorry for the absence. Finally got my OEM seat shaved to lower the seat height.

It lowered the seat about an inch. The seat is a little on hard side because
Of the amount of foam removed. I can live with that for now. The area towards the
front of the seat was not shaved so it would keep me from sliding forward against
the tank (took the advice from Rook).

I am no longer on my tip toes and keeps me stable on the seat cause its kinda flat
in that area. It was $175 mod...not too bad!!

Added some genmars 1" risers which takes some pressure of my wrists and shoulders.

Still have the mod bug... more to come..

Thanks to all for the feedback!

* Last updated by: NuRider250 on 4/14/2014 @ 7:16 PM *

Looks awesome NuRider! The look I go for is to have the belly pan removed and the shaved down seat with the seat cowl on. Makes a beautiful, trim waistline!

So you feel it's a bit hard on the buns, huh? Good to know what to expect. I hope to get to chopping away at the extra seat I have. I like my Saddlemen seat but it is not a full inch lower. I think more like one half inch? Probably similar to Sargeant. Mine cost me about $400, if I recall.

On another note... when you come to a stop you should actually be only putting 1 leg down, best practice is to keep your right foot on the rear brake. Since you're leaning the bike to one side you should be able easily be flat footed on the ground.

I do that sometimes to stretch my leg but the front brake works fine to hold the bike from rolling. I've had a number ofgood scares holding or pushing the bike with one foot. You know, gravel, holes in the pavement.